Hyundai Announces Alternative-Fuel Compact with 3 Powertrain Options

12.08.2015

Hyundai has announced the IONIQ, a new advanced alternative-fuel compact vehicle. The IONIQ is the first vehicle from any manufacturer to offer customers three powertrain options in a single body type. The vehicle will be available with electric, plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid, or gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain.

Woong-Chul Yang, Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment. IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; IONIQ is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”

The IONIQ was created with an exclusive platform made specifically for the vehicle’s multi-powertrain options. The IONIQ’s chassis is optimized to deliver responsive handling while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations. In its fully-electric (EV) form, the IONIQ is powered by a high capacity, ultra-efficient lithium ion battery. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combines a fuel-efficient energy with battery power obtained by charging the car with electricity, boosting its range while cutting its emissions. Finally, the hybrid (HEV) utilizes the gasoline engine and motion of the car to charge the on-board battery, which returns enhanced efficiency by supplementing the engine’s power.

Hyundai plans to do a world premiere of the IONIQ in Korea in January, the IONIQ is due to be shown at the Geneva International Motor Show and the New York Auto Show in March.